JAKARTA —-— A remarkable story unfolded for Indonesia from the cold world of hockey in Thailand. Muhammad Abyan Putra Arlan, affectionately known as Abyan, stood on the highest podium at the 2025 SEA Games. With a gold medal around his neck, Abyan was not just a winning athlete, but also living proof that zakat funds can transcend the limits of impossibility.
Abyan’s journey to the pinnacle of Southeast Asia did not begin on the ice rink, but in the classrooms of SD Islam Al Syukro Universal, Ciputat. Al Syukro School is one of the educational institutions managed by Dompet Dhuafa.
Through the management of zakat, infaq, sadaqah, and waqf (Ziswaf) funds, Dompet Dhuafa has built an educational ecosystem that not only prioritizes cognitive development but also character building and the exploration of interests and talents. It was in this educational environment that Abyan’s character, interests, and talents were shaped, in an environment that fostered independence. The zakat funds entrusted by the muzaki (zakat payers) are transformed into school facilities, teacher quality, and a curriculum that frees students to dream—even for sports that are rare in Indonesia, such as ice hockey.
Ice hockey is a sport with limited facilities in Indonesia. However, the discipline instilled in him since elementary school made Abyan determined. As an alumnus of Al Syukro, he carries the values of hard work that are the lifeblood of managing community funds: transparency, accountability, and a focus on the best results.
The highlight came in December 2025, when Abyan and the Indonesian Ice Hockey National Team defeated the host giant, Thailand, with a dramatic score of 3-2. Each goal scored represented every rupiah of zakat that was managed productively. Abyan is a portrait of a Beneficiary who has transformed into a source of pride for the nation.
Abyan’s story serves as a reminder to us all that zakat is not merely a ritual to fulfill an obligation or simply feeding the hungry for a single day.
Zakat managed strategically through educational programs like those implemented by Dompet Dhuafa at Al Syukro Universal is an investment in civilization. Our zakat is helping to give birth to new Abyans in the future—a generation that is not hindered by economic limitations to shake the world.
Friends, your zakat is the energy for them to practice, the books for them to learn, and the gold medal for Indonesia in the eyes of the world.
Through trustworthy management, we can ensure that poverty will never extinguish the fire of achievement in our country’s children. Channel your zakat through Dompet Dhuafa, and let’s make more history together. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Dhika, Al Syukro
Editor: Dedi Fadlil